re: Dublin next week

If you are going to do Guinness...you have to do the Connoisseur experience...the stories alone are worth the price alone and plus getting to pout Guinness never gets old.

As for pubs, I love Lower Baggott street which is where a lot of locals go, and much cheaper than Temple bar. Toner's is my preferred. Plus one of my favorite restaurants Matt the Thresher is terrific nearby.

If you are over on the 16th, the Scotland Ireland match will be fun in D4. Slatterys is my preferred pub near the stadium

If you go to Christchurch, Leo Burdocks across the street is a traditional chipper if that is your thing. You can always get your order and then sit at Christchurch.

A nice stroll through St Stephens Green is wonderful, and you can read the history signs that gives a lot of good background, and from there, you can go to the Shelbourne Hotel and spend about 15 minutes in their little museum.